An electronic meeting tool and method for communicating arbitrary media content from users at a meeting includes a node configuration adapted to operate a display node of a communications network, the display node being coupled to a first display. The node configuration is adapted to receive user selected arbitrary media content and to control display of the user selected arbitrary media content on the first display. A peripheral device adapted to communicate the user selected arbitrary media content via the communications network is a connection unit including a connector adapted to couple to a port of a processing device having a second display, a memory and an operating system, and a transmitter. A program is adapted to obtain user selected arbitrary media content, the program leaving a zero footprint on termination. The user may trigger a transfer of the user selected arbitrary media content to the transmitter.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for connecting one or more processing devices, each processing device being a user device of one participant in a meeting with a plurality of participants, to a wireless communications network having a base node with one or more first displays, the one or more processing devices each having a memory, a second display and an operating system with at least one pre-installed generic driver providing a generic communications protocol for communication between the processing device and a class of peripheral devices, the method comprising the following steps for each processing device: a) coupling a peripheral device to the processing device, the peripheral device having a wireless transceiver; b) setting up, by means of the pre-installed generic driver of the operating system, a means for communication between the peripheral device and the processing device; c) coupling the processing device to the wireless communications network via the peripheral device; running a client application stored on the peripheral device to obtain screen scraped data; d) routing the screen scraped data between the processing device and the wireless communications network via the means for communication for display on the one or more first displays of the base node, wherein the generic communication protocol is used for transferring the screen scraped data for display between the processing device and the peripheral device; and e) obtaining electronic access to the one or more first displays for display of the screen scraped data; the method further comprising: displaying the screen scraped data on the one or more first displays in accordance with a set of rules, one of the rules being a forcing rule, wherein the forcing rule is that display on the one or more first displays of new screen scraped data is obtained by the action of only one participant involved in the meeting, without requiring the agreement of another participant, the new screen scraped data of any participant for display overrides or replaces any data displayed on the one or more first displays from the same or another participant of the meeting.
This invention relates to a system for connecting user devices in a meeting to a wireless network with a central display, enabling screen sharing with forced display control. The problem addressed is the need for a seamless, driver-based method to share and control screen content across multiple participants in a meeting, where one participant can override others' displays without consent. The method involves coupling a peripheral device with a wireless transceiver to each user device, which has a generic driver for communication. The peripheral device establishes a connection to the wireless network, allowing screen-scraped data from the user device to be routed to a central display. The generic communication protocol ensures compatibility between the user device and peripheral device. A client application on the peripheral device captures screen data, which is then transmitted to the network for display on the central screen. A key feature is the "forcing rule," which allows one participant to override and replace any existing display content on the central screen without requiring approval from other participants. This ensures that critical or prioritized information can be immediately shown, regardless of other ongoing displays. The system operates without specialized hardware, relying on pre-installed generic drivers and standard wireless communication protocols.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising loading a server program onto the base node, the server program receiving screen scraped data from one or a plurality of client processing devices, and displaying the screen scraped data on one or more first displays, the server program allowing display in accordance with one or more rules of which one is a forcing rule, wherein the forcing rule is that the display on the one or more first displays is obtained by the action of only one participant involved in the meeting, without requiring the agreement of another participant, new screen scraped data of any participant for display overrides or replaces any data displayed on the one or more first displays from the same or another participant of the meeting.
This invention relates to a collaborative meeting system where screen content from multiple participants is aggregated and displayed on shared displays. The problem addressed is the need for a centralized, rule-based system to manage and present screen-scraped data from multiple devices during a meeting, ensuring controlled and dynamic display updates. The system includes a base node that runs a server program. This server program collects screen-scraped data from one or more client devices participating in a meeting. The server then displays this data on one or more shared displays. The display of this data is governed by predefined rules, including a "forcing rule." Under the forcing rule, the display content is controlled by a single participant's actions, without requiring approval from other participants. New screen-scraped data from any participant automatically overrides or replaces existing content on the shared displays, ensuring real-time updates without manual intervention. This allows for seamless, dynamic presentation of meeting content while maintaining centralized control over what is displayed. The system ensures that only the most recent relevant data is shown, improving meeting efficiency and collaboration.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the server program is a portable application adapted to be loaded onto the base node and to be run on an operating system of the base node.
A system and method for deploying and executing portable applications on networked devices, particularly in environments where devices have limited processing capabilities or lack a full operating system. The invention addresses the challenge of running applications on resource-constrained devices by using a base node, which may be a low-power or embedded device, to host a portable application. The portable application is designed to be loaded onto the base node and executed within its operating system, allowing the application to leverage the base node's resources while remaining adaptable to different hardware configurations. The system may include multiple nodes connected in a network, where the base node acts as a central processing unit for the portable application, while other nodes may serve as input/output devices or peripheral components. The portable application is self-contained, meaning it does not require additional software or dependencies beyond the base node's operating system, ensuring compatibility and ease of deployment. This approach enables efficient application execution on resource-limited devices while maintaining flexibility and scalability across different networked environments.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral device has an actuator, the method further comprising a user action on the actuator that triggers transfer of the data for display from the processing device to the wireless transceiver and from there to the wireless communications network.
This invention relates to wireless data transfer systems involving peripheral devices with actuators. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently transferring data from a processing device to a wireless communications network, particularly when initiated by a user action on a peripheral device. The peripheral device includes an actuator, such as a button or switch, which, when activated, triggers the transfer of data from the processing device to a wireless transceiver. The transceiver then transmits the data to the wireless communications network. The system ensures seamless and user-triggered data transmission, improving responsiveness and control in applications like IoT devices, remote sensors, or wearable technology. The method may involve preprocessing the data before transmission to optimize bandwidth or security, depending on the application. The actuator-based initiation allows for real-time, on-demand data transfer, reducing unnecessary power consumption and network traffic. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where data must be transmitted only when explicitly requested by the user or when specific conditions are met. The invention enhances user interaction with wireless devices by providing a direct and intuitive mechanism for data transfer.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein step b) is selected from: presenting the peripheral device to the processing device as a human interface device and wherein the pre-installed generic driver is a human interface device driver; presenting the peripheral device to the processing device as a mass storage device and wherein the pre-installed generic driver is a mass storage device driver; and presenting the peripheral device to the processing device as a composite device and wherein pre-installed generic drivers drive different device interfaces independently.
A method for configuring a peripheral device to interface with a processing device involves presenting the peripheral device in a way that leverages pre-installed generic drivers on the processing device. The peripheral device can be presented as a human interface device (HID), such as a keyboard or mouse, using a pre-installed HID driver. Alternatively, the peripheral device can be presented as a mass storage device, utilizing a pre-installed mass storage driver. Another option is presenting the peripheral device as a composite device, where multiple independent interfaces are driven by separate pre-installed generic drivers. This approach simplifies device setup by avoiding the need for custom drivers, ensuring compatibility with existing system drivers. The method addresses the problem of complex driver installation by dynamically configuring the peripheral device to match the capabilities of the processing device's pre-installed drivers, reducing setup time and compatibility issues. The solution is particularly useful for devices that may function in multiple roles, such as a USB device that can act as both a storage device and an input device.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral device comprises: a base, a connector, and a flexible connection between the base and the connector for transferring data signals and power, and wherein the actuator is on the base and the base has electronics comprising a processing engine, a transceiver and a visual indicator, the method further comprising: connecting the connector to a plug and play port of the processing device and actuating a signal with the actuator and transferring the signal to the connector for transfer to the port.
A peripheral device is designed to interface with a processing device through a plug-and-play port, facilitating data signal and power transfer. The device includes a base housing electronics, a connector for interfacing with the port, and a flexible connection between them. The base contains a processing engine, a transceiver, and a visual indicator, while an actuator is mounted on the base. The actuator generates a signal that is transmitted through the flexible connection to the connector, which then transfers the signal to the processing device's port. This setup enables seamless communication and power delivery between the peripheral and the processing device, enhancing functionality and user interaction. The flexible connection ensures adaptability in positioning while maintaining reliable signal and power transmission. The visual indicator provides feedback on the device's operational status, improving usability. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring dynamic connectivity and efficient data exchange.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the peripheral device comprises permanent storage for storing the client application.
A system and method for managing client applications on peripheral devices addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing and executing client applications across multiple devices in a networked environment. The invention provides a peripheral device with permanent storage for storing a client application, enabling the application to be executed directly on the peripheral device without relying on a central host system. This reduces latency and improves performance by eliminating the need for constant communication with a host device. The peripheral device is configured to receive and store the client application, which can then be executed locally. The system ensures seamless integration with existing network architectures while enhancing operational efficiency. The method includes steps for initializing the peripheral device, loading the client application from permanent storage, and executing the application to perform its intended functions. This approach is particularly useful in environments where low-latency processing and autonomous operation are critical, such as industrial automation, IoT devices, and distributed computing systems. By storing the client application on the peripheral device, the invention minimizes dependency on external systems, improving reliability and responsiveness. The solution is designed to be scalable, allowing multiple peripheral devices to operate independently while maintaining synchronization with a central management system when needed. This method enhances the flexibility and robustness of client application deployment in networked environments.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transferring of the data for display is to a defined network node without user entry of configuration details.
A system and method for transferring data to a defined network node without requiring user entry of configuration details. The invention addresses the problem of complex network configurations that typically require manual setup, such as entering IP addresses, port numbers, or other network parameters. This method automates the transfer process, reducing setup time and potential errors. The system includes a data source, a network node, and an intermediary device that facilitates the transfer. The intermediary device identifies the data source and the network node, then establishes a connection between them. The transfer occurs without user intervention, as the intermediary device handles all necessary configuration details. The network node may be a server, a storage device, or another computing system. The data transferred can include files, streams, or other digital information. The method ensures secure and efficient data transfer by using predefined protocols or encryption methods. The intermediary device may also monitor the transfer process, detecting and resolving issues such as connection failures or data corruption. This automation simplifies network operations, making it suitable for environments where rapid deployment or minimal user interaction is required. The invention improves usability and reliability in data transfer applications.
9. The method of claim 8 for use by a plurality of users in a meeting, there being client processing devices each for coupling to a peripheral device for every user in the meeting, a first user action connecting a processing device to the base node, and a second user action comprising activating an actuator located on an input device coupled to the peripheral device which then starts a process of obtaining the data for display by screen scraping data from the processing device and transmitting screen scraped data to the base node, the base node carrying out graphical commands sent from the processing device.
This invention relates to a collaborative meeting system where multiple users interact with a shared display using their own client devices. The system addresses the challenge of enabling seamless, synchronized content sharing and control among participants in a meeting environment. Each user has a client processing device connected to a peripheral device, such as a mouse or keyboard, with an actuator (e.g., a button) that initiates screen scraping. When a user activates the actuator, the system captures the display data from their device and transmits it to a central base node. The base node processes and displays the scraped data while also executing graphical commands (e.g., cursor movements, selections) sent from the user's device. This allows multiple users to share and control content dynamically during a meeting. The system ensures real-time synchronization of displayed information and user interactions, enhancing collaboration by enabling participants to contribute and manipulate shared content from their individual devices. The invention improves upon traditional meeting tools by integrating screen scraping with centralized control, reducing the need for manual content transfers and ensuring consistent display across all participants.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein, when the base node receives the screen scraped data, further comprising the step of providing auto composition of the screen scraped data on the first display connected to the base node.
This invention relates to data processing systems that extract and display information from digital interfaces, addressing challenges in efficiently capturing and presenting screen-scraped data. The method involves a base node that receives screen-scraped data from a source, such as a user interface or application, and processes this data for display. The base node is connected to at least one display device, and the method includes automatically composing the screen-scraped data for presentation on the first connected display. This auto-composition step ensures that the data is formatted and organized in a user-friendly manner without requiring manual intervention. The base node may also perform additional processing, such as filtering, transforming, or enriching the data before display. The system is designed to streamline data extraction and presentation workflows, particularly in environments where real-time or near-real-time display of scraped information is required. The invention improves efficiency by reducing the need for manual data handling and ensuring consistent, automated formatting of the displayed content.
11. The method of claim 7 , further comprising pairing of the peripheral device to the base node before communication starts.
A system and method for wireless communication between a peripheral device and a base node addresses challenges in establishing reliable and secure connections in wireless networks. The invention focuses on improving the pairing process between devices to ensure secure and efficient communication before data transmission begins. The peripheral device and base node exchange authentication credentials during the pairing phase to verify their identities and establish a secure connection. This pairing process may involve cryptographic key exchange or other authentication protocols to prevent unauthorized access. Once paired, the devices can communicate wirelessly using the established secure channel. The method ensures that only authorized devices can connect, reducing the risk of eavesdropping or data interception. The pairing step is performed before any communication starts, ensuring that security measures are in place from the beginning of the interaction. This approach is particularly useful in environments where multiple devices need to connect securely, such as in IoT networks or industrial automation systems. The invention enhances security and reliability in wireless communication by enforcing authentication before data exchange.
12. The method of claim 7 , wherein a daemon is provided that is pre-installed on the processing device, the daemon providing a permanently running service that continuously monitors if a peripheral device has been offered up for connection to the processing device.
A system and method for managing peripheral device connections in a computing environment involves a pre-installed daemon on a processing device that operates as a continuously running service. This daemon monitors for peripheral devices that are offered for connection to the processing device. The daemon ensures that the processing device is aware of available peripheral devices without requiring manual intervention or periodic polling. The monitoring process is persistent, meaning the daemon remains active to detect and manage connections as they occur. This approach improves efficiency by reducing latency in peripheral device detection and connection establishment. The system may also include mechanisms for authenticating and authorizing peripheral devices before allowing connections, enhancing security. The daemon may further handle configuration and resource allocation for connected peripherals, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. This solution addresses the problem of unreliable or delayed peripheral device detection in computing systems, particularly in environments where devices are frequently connected and disconnected. The continuous monitoring provided by the daemon ensures seamless integration of peripherals, improving user experience and system reliability.
13. The method of claim 7 , wherein the pre-installed generic drivers drive different device interfaces independently.
A method for managing device drivers in a computing system addresses the challenge of ensuring compatibility and functionality across diverse hardware interfaces. The method involves pre-installing generic drivers that are capable of independently driving different device interfaces. These generic drivers are designed to operate without requiring specific, device-specific drivers, thereby simplifying system setup and reducing dependency on proprietary software. The generic drivers handle communication and control for various hardware components, such as input/output devices, storage interfaces, or peripheral connections, by abstracting common functionalities while accommodating variations in device protocols or specifications. This approach enhances system flexibility, allowing seamless integration of new or unrecognized hardware without manual driver installation. The method also includes mechanisms to detect and configure connected devices automatically, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. By eliminating the need for individual driver installations, the system reduces user intervention and minimizes potential errors, improving overall reliability and ease of use. The generic drivers may also include fallback mechanisms to handle unsupported features or edge cases, ensuring basic functionality even when full compatibility is not achievable. This solution is particularly useful in environments where hardware diversity is high, such as enterprise systems, embedded devices, or multi-device ecosystems.
14. A method for providing communication connectivity from a processing device, the processing device being a user device of a participant in a meeting with a plurality of participants, the method comprising the following steps: setting up a communications network between a base node of the communications network and a peripheral device coupled to the processing device; transferring media content between the processing device and the peripheral device; the media content being screen scraped data from a screen of the processing device; transmitting the media content from the peripheral device to the communications network; receiving media content from the communications network at the base node and displaying the media content on a display in accordance with a set of rules, one of the rules being a forcing rule, whereby the forcing rule determines that the displaying of media content on the display is obtained by a user action on any one of the user devices involved in the meeting, without requiring the agreement of another participant, the media content from the any one of the user devices overriding or replacing any data displayed on the display by the same or another participant of the meeting.
This invention relates to a method for enabling communication connectivity in a multi-participant meeting environment. The problem addressed is the need for seamless media sharing between user devices and a central display, where participants can dynamically control what is shown without requiring consensus from others. The method involves setting up a communications network between a base node and a peripheral device connected to a user device. The user device, operated by a meeting participant, captures screen data (screen scraping) and transfers it to the peripheral device. The peripheral device then transmits this media content to the communications network. The base node receives the media content and displays it on a central display according to predefined rules. A key rule is the "forcing rule," which allows any participant to override or replace content on the display through a user action on their device, without needing approval from other participants. This ensures that one participant can take control of the display dynamically during the meeting. The system enables real-time media sharing and display control in collaborative environments.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the base node has one or more displays, further comprising loading a server program onto the base node, the server program receiving screen scraped data from one or a plurality of client processing devices, and displaying the screen scraped data on the one or more displays, the server program allowing display in accordance with one or more rules of which one is the forcing rule, wherein the forcing rule is that the display on the one or more displays is obtained by the action of only one participant involved in the meeting, without requiring the agreement of another participant, new screen scraped data of any participant for display overrides or replaces any data displayed on the one or more displays from the same or another participant of the meeting.
This invention relates to a collaborative display system for meetings, addressing the challenge of managing and presenting screen content from multiple participants in a centralized manner. The system includes a base node with one or more displays and a server program installed on it. The server program receives screen-scraped data from one or more client processing devices used by meeting participants. The screen-scraped data represents the content displayed on the participants' devices, which is then shown on the base node's displays. The server program enforces display rules, including a "forcing rule," which allows a single participant to control the display content without requiring approval from others. When a participant sends new screen-scraped data, it overrides or replaces any existing data on the displays, regardless of whether it came from the same or another participant. This ensures that the most recent content from the controlling participant is always shown, providing a dynamic and centralized view of the meeting's visual information. The system simplifies collaboration by consolidating multiple screens into a unified display while allowing real-time updates from authorized participants.
16. An electronic meeting tool for communicating arbitrary media content, being data for display, from users at a meeting, the tool comprising: a base unit of a wireless communications network, the base unit being coupled to one or more first displays, the base unit being adapted to receive user selected arbitrary media content from a processing device via the wireless communications network, and to control display of the user selected arbitrary media content on the one or more first displays; at least one peripheral device adapted to communicate the user selected arbitrary media content from the processing device to the base unit via the wireless communications network; a program adapted to be loaded onto the processing device and to run on an operating system of the processing device, said program being adapted to obtain user selected arbitrary media content from the processing device; an input device to allow the user to carry out a user action that triggers transfer of said user selected arbitrary media content from said processing device to a transmitter and to the wireless communications network, the input device being an actuator coupled to the peripheral device and the base unit is adapted to display said user selected arbitrary media content on the first display in accordance with a set of rules, wherein one of the rules is a forcing rule, whereby the forcing rule is that the display on the one or more first displays is obtained by the action of only one participant involved in the meeting, without requiring the agreement of another participant, the data of any participant for display overriding or replacing any data displayed on the one or more first displays by the same or another participant of the meeting.
This invention relates to an electronic meeting tool designed to facilitate the communication and display of arbitrary media content during meetings. The tool addresses the challenge of efficiently sharing and controlling media content among participants without requiring consensus, ensuring that one participant can override or replace displayed content unilaterally. The system includes a base unit connected to one or more displays, forming part of a wireless communications network. The base unit receives user-selected media content from a processing device (e.g., a computer or tablet) via the network and controls its display. A peripheral device enables communication between the processing device and the base unit. A program installed on the processing device allows users to select and transfer media content, such as documents, images, or videos, to the base unit. An input device, like a button or switch, triggers the transfer of the selected content. A key feature is the "forcing rule," which allows a participant to override or replace any content displayed on the shared screens without needing approval from others. This ensures that critical or time-sensitive information can be prioritized by a single user, improving meeting efficiency. The system supports real-time content sharing and dynamic display control, making it suitable for collaborative environments where quick decision-making is essential.
17. The electronic meeting tool of claim 16 configured for use by a plurality of users in a meeting, there being processing devices each for coupling to a peripheral device for every user in the meeting, whereby the electronic meeting tool is configured to allow a first user action to connect a client processing device to the base unit, and a second user action comprising activating the actuator on the input device which is coupled to the peripheral device which then starts a process of obtaining the user selected arbitrary media content by screen scraping data from the processing device and transmitting screen scraped data for display to the base unit, whereby the base unit is configured to carry out graphical commands sent from the processing device.
This invention relates to an electronic meeting tool designed to facilitate collaborative interactions among multiple users in a meeting environment. The tool addresses the challenge of integrating user-generated media content into a shared meeting space in real-time, ensuring seamless collaboration and content sharing. The system includes a base unit and multiple client processing devices, each coupled to a peripheral device for individual users. The tool enables a first user action to establish a connection between a client processing device and the base unit. A second user action involves activating an actuator on the input device linked to the peripheral device, which initiates a process to obtain user-selected arbitrary media content. This is achieved by screen scraping data from the processing device and transmitting the scraped data to the base unit for display. The base unit is further configured to execute graphical commands sent from the processing device, allowing dynamic control over the displayed content. The invention ensures that users can easily share and manipulate media content during meetings, enhancing collaboration and interaction. The system supports real-time content sharing without requiring pre-configuration, making it adaptable to various meeting scenarios. The integration of screen scraping and command execution enables users to present and modify content dynamically, improving meeting efficiency and engagement.
18. The method according to claim 1 , wherein running said program does not require installation of the program or configuration of the processing device.
A system and method for executing programs on a processing device without requiring installation or configuration of the program or the device. The technology addresses the problem of complex setup procedures and compatibility issues that arise when installing and configuring software on different processing devices. The method involves running a program directly on the processing device without the need for prior installation steps, such as copying files to a storage medium or modifying system settings. The program is executed in a manner that does not alter the device's configuration, ensuring that the device remains in its original state after the program is run. This approach simplifies software deployment by eliminating the need for manual or automated installation processes, reducing setup time and potential errors. The method is particularly useful in environments where quick execution of programs is required, such as in testing, demonstration, or temporary use scenarios. The program may be executed from a portable storage medium or a network location, allowing for flexible and on-demand execution without permanent installation. The system ensures that the program operates independently of the device's existing software environment, avoiding conflicts with installed applications or system settings. This method enhances usability by providing a seamless and hassle-free way to run programs on various processing devices without the need for technical expertise or extensive setup procedures.
19. The electronic meeting tool according to claim 16 , wherein running said program does not require installation of the program or configuration of the processing device.
This invention relates to an electronic meeting tool designed to facilitate virtual meetings without requiring program installation or device configuration. The tool operates on a processing device, such as a computer or mobile device, and enables users to join meetings via a web-based interface. The system includes a server that hosts the meeting application and a client-side interface accessible through a web browser. Users can initiate or join meetings by accessing a URL, eliminating the need for software downloads or manual setup. The tool supports real-time audio, video, and screen sharing, along with collaborative features like chat and document annotation. The server dynamically allocates resources based on meeting size and participant activity, ensuring optimal performance without pre-installation. The client-side interface adapts to different devices and operating systems, providing a consistent user experience. This approach reduces barriers to entry for participants, particularly those with limited technical expertise or restricted device capabilities. The invention addresses the problem of cumbersome setup processes and compatibility issues in traditional meeting software, offering a streamlined, accessible solution for virtual collaboration.
20. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising a program adapted to be loaded onto the processing device and to run on an operating system of the processing device, said program being adapted to obtain the media content from the processing device, running said program on the processing device does not require installation of the program or configuration of the processing device.
This invention relates to a method for processing media content on a computing device, addressing the need for simplified media handling without requiring installation or configuration. The method involves a program designed to run on an operating system of a processing device, such as a computer or mobile device, to obtain media content from the device. The program is adapted to execute without the need for installation or configuration of the processing device, ensuring seamless operation. This approach eliminates the complexity of traditional software installation processes, allowing users to access and process media content directly. The program may include features to extract, analyze, or manipulate media content, such as images, videos, or audio files, while maintaining compatibility with the device's operating system. The method ensures that the program operates independently of the device's existing software environment, reducing setup time and potential compatibility issues. This solution is particularly useful for users who require quick and efficient media processing without the hassle of installing or configuring additional software. The invention simplifies media handling by leveraging the device's existing operating system capabilities, making it accessible to a broader range of users.
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December 15, 2020
February 22, 2022
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